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By Cecile Krimm
Crosby City Council members voted Monday night to reject all bids for the next phase of a sidewalk improvement project and suspend work on another phase of the multi-year project as concern grows for other infrastructure work.
The next phase of the “Safe Routes to School” project would have cost the city $178,000, with grants paying the remaining $378,000 cost to extend walkways from the community center to the hospital, along ND 5. However, recent televising of sewer lines has identified bigger concerns.
“I don’t think they could run the camera through even one entire block. I think we have a lot more pressing needs we could use the money for at this time,” said Mayor Bert Anderson.
The council undertook the televising project earlier this fall in preparation for a major street project in the spring. They don’t want to put new paving over broken pipe.
Engineer Bill Moonie said the report shows cracked pipes, broken and missing pipes, sewer laterals pushed into the main, lots of tree roots that have infiltrated the lines, and areas where water infiltration is bringing minerals into the lines leading to build up and blockage.
He said a new type of sewer liner, rather than pipe replacement, may be effective in addressing some of the issues.
“It looks pretty promising for saving a lot of money on the project,” he said.
Community Developer KayCee Lindsey told the council business owners are looking for guidance on how they will operate during the street, sewer and sidewalk project.
Anderson told her that communication will come, but later this winter, once the project is designed and bid.
In other business, the council:

Discussed the need for a new pump station at the clear well, with a building to replace many of the functions of the old water treatment plant, which needs to be torn down.

Listened to a property line dispute between neighbors Jen and Landon Johnson and Fred Osvold but determined the council has no authority in resolving the conflict and may only consider a building permit once a survey is certified.

Approved a 100 percent property tax abatement for five years on the daycare building project.

Rejected an overture from former engineer Antonio Conti to consider using the services of the firm he now works for, Ackerman-Estvold, on the major street project. The council left the door open to solicit services in the future.